There is no need for the writer to eat a whole sheep to be able to tell you what mutton tastes like. It is enough if he eats a cutlet. But he should do that.

When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.

She says it's really not very flattering to her that the women who fall in love with her husband are so uncommonly second-rate.

You cannot write well or much (and I venture the opinion that you cannot write well unless you write much) unless you form a habit.

You know, when one's in love,' I said, 'and things go all wrong, one's terribly unhappy and one thinks one won't ever get over it. But you'll be astounded to learn what the sea will do.' What do you mean?' she smiled. Well, love isn't a good sailor and it languishes on a sea voyage. You'll be surprised when you have the Atlantic between you and Larry to find how slight the pang is that before you sailed seemed intolerable.

A man marries to have a home, but also because he doesn't want to be bothered with sex and all that sort of thing.

It is cruel to discover one's mediocrity only when it is too late. It does not improve the temper.